The Social Impacts of Circular Strategies in the Apparel Value Chain; a Comparative Study Between Three Countries

Area of Science:

• Sustainability Science
• Social Impact Assessment
• Circular Economy

Background:

• The apparel industry's value chain impacts millions globally, yet is marred by poor working conditions, human rights violations, and inadequate incomes.
• Circular economy (CE) frameworks are adopted for sustainability, but their social impact, particularly job quality and inclusivity, remains under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the social impact of diverse circular strategies in the apparel sector across three countries.
• To assess social impacts concerning job quality, workers' livelihoods, and gender equality and inclusion within CE initiatives.
• To introduce a novel Social Impact Assessment Framework for Circularity (SIAF-CE).

Main Methods:

• Analysis of social impacts from various circular strategies implemented in the apparel value chain.
• Assessment of job quality, sustainable livelihoods, and gender equality and inclusion.
• Development and application of the SIAF-CE framework.

Main Results:

• Current circular strategies in apparel exhibit low social ambition, perpetuating feminization and precarious working conditions seen in linear models.
• Evidence shows that CE social impacts are not inherently positive and require deliberate strengthening.
• The study provides empirical data on CE social impacts from both startups and established businesses.

Conclusions:

• Policymakers and businesses must enhance the social ambition of CE strategies in the apparel sector.
• International policy and stakeholder coordination are crucial to minimize trade-offs and ensure a just circular transition.
• The SIAF-CE framework offers a new tool for evaluating and improving the social dimensions of circularity.